Status of trace elements in saliva of oral precancer and oral cancer patients

BACKGROUND: Several studies in recent years have linked association between micronutrient levels and various forms of cancer. Copper and zinc have been the most researched micronutrients. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the levels of copper, zinc and iron in saliva of patients with oral leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: There was a highly significant increase in the level of salivary copper in oral submucous fibrosis patients when compared to controls (P = 0.001). Salivary copper levels were also elevated in oral leukoplakia and oral cancer patients (P = 0.01). There was a significant decrease in the salivary zinc levels in all three study groups when compared to controls (P = 0.001). A highly significant reduction in salivary iron levels was noticed oral submucous fibrosis group. The copper to zinc ratio significantly increased in all the study groups when compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that salivary copper zinc and iron could be used as biomarkers for oral precancer and cancer.